Ubuntu Forums - View Single Post - Ubuntu Desktop Computing Made Easy (Karmic 9.10)

TrakerJon · 08:11 PM

This is my Karmic Koala post (Jaunty Jackalope can be found at http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1181327), there will be some revisions made during the next few weeks. Many third party application developers are still doing work in regard to this latest release. Enjoy and share!

This documentation is intended for folks that would like to add additional programs and applications to their Ubuntu Karmic Koala installation for a better overall experience. Please keep in mind older computers may have video performance issues due to high CPU usage and increased memory requirements.

Recommended: Pentium 4 or higher processor with 1Gb SDRAM, 256Mb graphics card, 10/100 Ethernet card and 20Gb hard disk.

The easiest way to perform most of these installs is to copy and paste from this post into a terminal window (found in Accessories).

Start by going to System > select Administration > select Software Sources > Check all the boxes under the Ubuntu Software, Third-Party Software and Updates tabs > Close and Reload

Get all the available Ubuntu updates at this point, look for the update notification icon on the task bar. Reboot after updating your system and then install as many of the following as you wish.

If you're having slowness issues with the default repository go to System > select Administration > select Software Sources > Ubuntu Software tab > Download from: drop down menu > select Other > click Select Best Server and when it finishes the query click Choose Server > Close and Reload.

Many of these installations require access to the Medibuntu Repository and enabling some additional software sources. Directions are on this site: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Medibuntu or simply do the following from a terminal window:

sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/$(lsb_release -cs).list \--output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list &&
sudo apt-get -q update &&
sudo apt-get --yes -q --allow-unauthenticated install medibuntu-keyring &&
sudo apt-get -q update

Media players, codecs, plug-ins and accessories are needed for playing various multimedia formats.

sudo apt-get install gstreamer0.10-plugins-good gstreamer0.10-plugins-bad gstreamer0.10-plugins-ugly gstreamer0.10-ffmpeg gstreamer0.10-pitfdll gstreamer0.10-plugins-bad-multiverse gstreamer0.10-plugins-ugly-multiverse gstreamer0.10-fluendo-mp3 gstreamer0.10-gnonlin gstreamer0.10-sdl gstreamer-dbus-media-service gstreamer-tools freepats gstreamer0.10-gnomevfs liba52-0.7.4 libass3 libavcodec52 libavformat52 libavutil49 libcdaudio1 libcelt0 libdc1394-22 libdca0 libdirac0c2a libdvdnav4 libdvdread4 libenca0 libfaac0 libfaad0 libffado1 libfftw3-3 libfreebob0 libgsm1 libid3tag0 libiptcdata0 libkate1 libmad0 libmimic0 libmjpegtools-1.9 libmms0 libmodplug0c2 libmp3lame0 libmpcdec3 libmpeg2-4 libofa0 libopenspc0 libpostproc51 libquicktime1 libschroedinger-1.0-0 libsidplay1 libsoundtouch1c2 libswscale0 libtwolame0 libwildmidi0 libx264-67 libxml++2.6-2 libxvidcore4 w32codecs libdvdcss2 libxine1-ffmpeg debhelper fakeroot libfftw3-dev sidplay-base liblrdf0-dev xsidplay mplayer avifile-divx-plugin avifile-xvid-plugin dh-make g++-multilib g++-4.3-multilib gcc-4.3-doc libstdc++6-4.3-dbg cvs gettext-doc avifile-mad-plugin avifile-mjpeg-plugin avifile-player avifile-utils avifile-vorbis-plugin avifile-win32-plugin libcurl3-dbg libgcrypt11-doc libggi-target-emu libggi-target-monotext libggimisc2 gnutls-doc gnutls-bin guile-gnutls krb5-doc libraptor1-doc libstdc++6-4.3-doc mplayer-doc diff-doc easytag-aac faac faad ffmpeg ffmpeg2theora flac gxine icedax id3tool id3v2 lame liba52-0.7.4-dev libavfilter0 libflac++6 libid3-3.8.3c2a libjpeg-progs libmozjs0d libmp4v2-0 libmpg123-0 libsox-fmt-alsa libsox-fmt-base libsox1a mpeg2dec mpeg3-utils mpegdemux mpg123 mpg321 libamrnb3 libamrwb3 sox tagtool twolame vorbis-tools gecko-mediaplayer build-essential comerr-dev cpp-4.3 dpkg-dev g++ g++-4.3 g++-4.4 g++-4.4-multilib gcc-4.3 gcc-4.3-base gcc-4.3-multilib gcc-4.4-multilib gcc-multilib gettext gnome-mplayer guile-1.8 html2text intltool-debian ladspa-sdk lib64gcc1 lib64gomp1 lib64stdc++6 libao2 libaudio2 libavdevice52 libavifile-0.7c2 libc6-amd64 libc6-dev-amd64 libcurl4-gnutls-dev libdiscid0 libgcc1-dbg libgcrypt11-dev libggi-target-terminfo libggi-target-x libggi2 libgii1 libgii1-target-x libgnutls-dev libgpg-error-dev libgssrpc4 libidn11-dev libkadm5srv6 libkdb5-4 libkrb5-dev libldap2-dev liblrdf0 liblzo2-2 libmail-sendmail-perl libmpeg3-1 libmusicbrainz3-6 libopenal1 libqt3-mt libqt4-xml libqtcore4 libqtgui4 libraptor1-dev libreadline5 libstdc++6-4.3-dev libstdc++6-4.4-dev libsvga1 libsys-hostname-long-perl libtasn1-3-dev libxcb-shape0 libxcb-shm0 libxcb-xv0 libxine1 libxine1-bin libxine1-console libxine1-misc-plugins libxine1-x libxml2-dev libxslt1-dev mplayer-nogui mplayer-skins patch po-debconf zlib1g-dev libdvbpsi5 libebml0 libiso9660-5 liblua5.1-0 libmatroska0 libsdl-image1.2 jack-tools jackd libjackasyn0 qjackctl libjack0

Adobe Flash
sudo apt-get install flashplugin-nonfree flashplugin-installer

The latest Sun Java JRE
sudo apt-get install gsfonts-x11 java-common odbcinst1debian1 sun-java6-bin sun-java6-fonts sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin unixodbc

Kaffeine - KDE Media Player
sudo apt-get install kaffeine exiv2 kde-icons-oxygen kdebase-runtime kdebase-runtime-bin-kde4 kdebase-runtime-data kdebase-runtime-data-common kdelibs-bin kdelibs5 kdelibs5-data khelpcenter4 libclucene0ldbl libexiv2-5 libknotificationitem1 liblzma0 libplasma3 libqt4-dbus libqt4-designer libqt4-network libqt4-opengl libqt4-phonon libqt4-qt3support libqt4-script libqt4-sql libqt4-sql-mysql libqt4-svg libqt4-webkit libsoprano4 libstreamanalyzer0 libstreams0 phonon-backend-xine soprano-daemon ttf-dejavu ttf-dejavu-extra

VLC (VideoLAN Client) is a portable multimedia player capable of reading most audio and video formats.
sudo apt-get install vlc libtar libvcdinfo0 libvlc2 libvlccore2 vlc-data vlc-nox vlc-plugin-pulse videolan-doc

Amarok is a powerful music player for Linux with an intuitive interface.
sudo apt-get install amarok amarok-common amarok-utils kdemultimedia-kio-plugins libkcddb4 liblastfm0 libqt4-sql-sqlite libqtscript4-core libqtscript4-gui libqtscript4-network libqtscript4-sql libqtscript4-uitools libqtscript4-xml libtag-extras1

Audacious is the very innovative Audio Replacement for XMMS
sudo apt-get install audacious audacious-plugins audacious-plugins-extra libaudclient2 libaudcore1 libaudid3tag2 libaudutil1 libbinio1ldbl libcddb2 libfluidsynth1 libftgl2 liblash2 libmcs1 libmowgli1 libprojectm-data libprojectm2 libresid-builder0c2a libsad2 libsidplay2 libglew1.5

Ardour, SoundKonverter, Jokosher and AcidRip for multimedia recording, editing, conversions, mixing, etc.
sudo apt-get install ardour soundkonverter jokosher lmms acidrip caps kdelibs-data kdelibs4c2a libaubio2 libavahi-qt3-1 libgnomecanvasmm-2.6-1c2a liblo0ldbl liblua50 liblualib50 libstk0c2a libvamp-hostsdk2 libvamp-sdk1 lmms-common lmms-vst lsdvd mp3gain mppenc python-twisted python-twisted-conch python-twisted-lore python-twisted-mail python-twisted-news python-twisted-runner python-twisted-words speex stk tap-plugins timidity timidity-daemon ttf-symbol-replacement ttf-tahoma-replacement vorbisgain wavpack winbind wine1.2 wine1.2-gecko

K9Copy, K3b and DeVeDe when you need DVD, CD, VCD and VCD software (requires libdvdcss2)
sudo apt-get install k9copy k3b devede akonadi-server dvdauthor k3b-data kdebase-workspace-bin kdebase-workspace-data kdebase-workspace-kgreet-plugins kdebase-workspace-libs4+5 kdepim-runtime kdepim-runtime-data kdepim-runtime-libs4 libavcodec-extra-52 libavformat-extra-52 libavutil-extra-49 libboost-regex1.38.0 libk3b6 libopenjpeg2 libpolkit-dbus2 libpolkit-grant2 libpolkit-qt0 libpolkit2 libpostproc-extra-51 libqt4-help libqt4-scripttools libqt4-test libqt4-xmlpatterns libstrigiqtdbusclient0 libswscale-extra-0 mjpegtools mkvtoolnix mysql-server-core-5.1 plasma-dataengines-workspace plasma-widgets-workspace policykit python-kde4 python-qt4 python-sip4 vamps vcdimager

Transmageddon supports almost any format as its input and can generate a very large host of output files.
http://www.getdeb.net/software/Transmageddon

Note: Follow the instructions for "How to Install Apps from GetDeb" first before attempting to install Transmageddon.
http://www.getdeb.net/updates/Ubuntu/all#how_to_install

Streamripper will allow you to download internet radio station broadcasts.
sudo apt-get install streamripper

Streamtastic is the java based gui for Streamripper.
Download the stable version from https://code.launchpad.net/streamtastic/+download

Notes: Install Streamripper and then create a folder in your home directory called Streamtastic. Create a sub folder of Streamtastic called downloads. Download Streamtastic and extract the files into the Streamtastic folder. Launch the Streamtastic.sh file from a command prompt (user@ubuntu-desktop:~/Streamtastic$ ./Streamtastic.sh) and when prompted point the download destination to your downloads folder. Select the station you would like to listen to and right-click on the reference to play and/or record. You can play and record at the same time, you'll be prompted to select a player (if you've installed amarok or vlc they're in /usr/bin). If you need to edit the configuration file to change the path to your player or download preferences, it can be found in a hidden .streamtastic folder in your home directory.
If you have folder permissions issues do the following:
sudo chown -R username:username ~/Streamtastic (put in your "username")
sudo chmod -R 700 ~/Streamtastic

Shoutcast is a good place to shop for internet radio stations. http://www.shoutcast.com/

ATI/nVidia Drivers and Advanced Desktop Effects

This requires some effort on the part of the user to know exactly what graphics card they have installed, use with caution and please read all applicable instructions.

Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala comes with a Nouveau display graphic driver by default. The following should help install the drivers you need.

1. Click Applications > Ubuntu Software Center
2. From the left menu choose Get Free Software
3. In the search field on the right find and install Advanced Desktop Effects Settings (Compiz Setup) and ATI or nVidia binary X.org Drivers (based on what graphics card you have inside the computer). Selecting the driver and clicking the arrow to the right will get the list of supported graphics cards.
4. After the installations go to System > Administration > Hardware Drivers.
5. The system will search for available drivers, choose the recommended option from the list and activate the driver by clicking Activate.
6. Restart your system and the new ATI/nVidia graphic display driver will be in use.

Unsupported updated versions of X.org drivers, libraries, etc. for Ubuntu https://edge.launchpad.net/~ubuntu-x...hive/x-updates
Note: Import the key and add the repositories for your specific distribution in System > Administration > Software Sources then run sudo apt-get update from a terminal window.

Compiz, Emerald and Screenlets

The default Ubuntu display setup lets you choose from None, Normal or Extra. Make it more configurable with the CompizConfig Settings Manager...found in System > Preferences after installing the following:
sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager gnome-art usplash startupmanager compiz-fusion-plugins-main compiz-fusion-plugins-extra emerald screenlets librsvg2-common fusion-icon gnome-splashscreen-manager libart2-ruby1.8 libatk1-ruby1.8 libcairo-ruby1.8 libemeraldengine0 libgconf2-ruby libgconf2-ruby1.8 libgdk-pixbuf2-ruby1.8 libglade2-ruby libglade2-ruby1.8 libglib2-ruby1.8 libgnome2-ruby libgnome2-ruby1.8 libgnomecanvas2-ruby1.8 libgtk2-ruby1.8 libpango1-ruby1.8 libruby1.8 libtidy-0.99-0 python-chardet python-compizconfig python-evolution python-feedparser python-gtkmozembed python-utidylib python-wnck ruby ruby1.8 menu

Notes: Make sure you enable Visual Effects "Extra" (right click on your desktop, choose change Desktop Background and click on the Visual Effects tab) before adusting Compiz settings. Reset Compiz defaults by going into CCSM > Preferences > Profile & Backend > Click Reset to defaults.

Various compression/extraction and encoding/decoding utilities...
sudo apt-get install unace rar unrar zip unzip p7zip-full p7zip-rar sharutils aish uudeview mpack lha arj cabextract file-roller libuu0

AceoneISO2 is a CD/DVD image manipulator for Linux (used primarily with .iso files).
http://www.getdeb.net/software/AcetoneISO

Note: Follow the instructions for "How to Install Apps from GetDeb" first before attempting to install AceoneISO2.
http://www.getdeb.net/updates/Ubuntu/all#how_to_install

avast! makes a very good anti-virus product for Linux it can be downloaded free for home use from http://avast.com/eng/download-avast-...x-edition.html You'll need the home user free registration key (emailed to you from their site). The key can be pasted into a terminal window after you type avast at a terminal command prompt. The gui icon is located in Applications > Accessories. Update the program frequently and scan all questionable downloads.

P2P (peer to peer) clients

Gnutella is a lot like Limewire or Morpheus (see Firewalls and avast! sections below before using).
sudo apt-get install gtk-gnutella

Vuze can be handy for things not found with Gnutella (see Firewalls and avast! sections below before using).
sudo apt-get install vuze azureus java-wrappers libcommons-cli-java libcommons-lang-java liblog4j1.2-java libswt-cairo-gtk-3.4-jni libswt-gnome-gtk-3.4-jni libswt-gtk-3.4-java libswt-gtk-3.4-jni libswt-mozilla-gtk-3.4-jni

Frostwire is similar to Gnutella (see Firewalls and avast! sections below before using).
http://www.getdeb.net/software/Frostwire

Note: Follow the instructions for "How to Install Apps from GetDeb" first before attempting to install FrostWire.
http://www.getdeb.net/updates/Ubuntu/all#how_to_install

Email, VoIP and Text Chat

Thunderbird, Sunbird and SpamAssassin for email and integrated calendar.
sudo apt-get install thunderbird sunbird lightning-extension spamassassin calendar-google-provider calendar-timezones libdigest-hmac-perl libdigest-sha1-perl liberror-perl libio-socket-inet6-perl libmail-spf-perl libnet-dns-perl libnet-ip-perl libnetaddr-ip-perl libsocket6-perl re2c spamc

Setup your Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail accounts in Thunderbird (use POP port 1024)
http://webmail.mozdev.org/index.html

Skype lets you talk and chat with friends all over the world.
sudo apt-get install skype skype-common

Note: You might have to configure your Options > Sound Devices > Sound In/Sound Out within Skype and test with the Echo/Sound test Service. I also had to enable and adjust my Ubuntu Volume Controls > Preferences > Mic and Mic Boost settings.

Kopete is an instant messenger client supporting AIM, ICQ, Live Messenger, Yahoo, Jabber, and more.
sudo apt-get install kopete

XChat is an IRC chat program that allows for multiple IRC channels (chat rooms) at the same time.
sudo apt-get install xchat

Pidgin is an easy to use and free chat client to connect to AIM, MSN, Yahoo, and more chat networks all at once.
sudo apt-get install pidgin pidgin-data pidgin-libnotify

Popular fonts for OpenOffice and other word processing applications.
sudo apt-get install ttf-mscorefonts-installer mplayer-fonts ttf-xfree86-nonfree xfs cabextract ttf-liberation ttf-mscorefonts-installer

Fonts, fonts and more fonts (pick and choose).
sudo apt-get install ttf-larabie-straight ttf-larabie-deco xfonts-terminus-dos xfonts-terminus xfonts-terminus-oblique xfonts-mona tv-fonts ttf-tuffy ttf-sjfonts ttf-georgewilliams ttf-fifthhorseman-dkg-handwriting ttf-essays1743 ttf-opensymbol ttf-mgopen ttf-freefont ttf-dustin ttf-dejavu-extra ttf-dejavu-core ttf-dejavu ttf-bpg-georgian-fonts equivs ttf-sil-gentium gnome-specimen bsd-mailx dctrl-tools devscripts diffstat dput libapt-pkg-perl libauthen-sasl-perl libdevel-symdump-perl libio-pty-perl libio-stringy-perl libipc-run-perl libparse-debcontrol-perl libpod-coverage-perl libterm-size-perl libtest-pod-perl lintian patchutils postfix wdiff

Note: Postfix is is associated with some of these fonts, be careful not to modify Postfix configurations if required for email purposes, otherwise select "no configuration" when prompted.

I typically don’t use Arabic and Asian fonts, to remove them from a terminal window type:
sudo apt-get remove ttf-kochi-mincho ttf-kochi-gothic ttf-arabeyes ttf-arphic-ukai ttf-arphic-uming ttf-baekmuk ttf-bengali-fonts ttf-devanagari-fonts ttf-gentium ttf-gujarati-fonts ttf-indic-fonts ttf-kannada-fonts ttf-kochi-gothic ttf-lao ttf-malayalam-fonts ttf-mgopen ttf-oriya-fonts ttf-punjabi-fonts ttf-tamil-fonts ttf-telugu-fonts ttf-thai-tlwg ttf-unfonts-core ttf-indic-fonts-core ttf-wqy-zenhei

Note: Add them by simply using install instead of remove.

HP printer driver issues? http://hplipopensource.com/hplip-web/downloads.html

Adobe still makes one of the best .pdf viewers.
sudo apt-get install acroread acroread-fonts

PDFedit is editor for manipulating PDF documents.
sudo apt-get install pdfedit

AbiWord is a fast and easy to use word processing program.
sudo apt-get install abiword abiword-common abiword-help abiword-plugin-grammar abiword-plugin-mathview libaiksaurus-1.2-0c2a libaiksaurus-1.2-data libaiksaurusgtk-1.2-0c2a libgdome2-0 libgdome2-cpp-smart0c2a libgtkmathview0c2a liblink-grammar4 libots0 libt1-5 libwv-1.2-3 link-grammar-dictionaries-en

gLabels is a program for creating labels and business cards for the GNOME desktop environment.
sudo apt-get install glabels glabels-data

iSpell comes in handy when spell checking documents from a terminal window
sudo apt-get install ispell iamerican spell

Wordnet is a comprehensive word database maintained by Princeton University
sudo apt-get install wordnet tcl8.5 tk8.5 wordnet-base wordnet-gui

The web interface for Wordnet is http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

FBReader is an e-book reader for various platforms.
sudo apt-get install fbreader liblinebreak1 libzlcore-data libzlcore0.10 libzltext-data libzltext0.10 libzlui-gtk ttf-unifont

Dia is similar to Microsoft® Visio.
sudo apt-get install dia dia-common dia-libs

GanttProject is a tool for creating a project schedule with Gantt and resource load charts.
http://ganttproject.biz/download.php

Planner for Gant charts and project plans.
sudo apt-get install planner

Scribus is a desktop publishing application.
sudo apt-get install scribus blt-demo tix python-tk-dbg scribus-template scribus-doc blt python-tk

Inkscape and Skencil for illustrations.
sudo apt-get install inkscape libmagick++2 libwmf-bin python-lxml python-numpy python-renderpm python-reportlab python-reportlab-accel python-uniconvertor libsvg-perl libxml-xql-perl skencil pstoedit python-lxml-dbg python-numpy-doc python-numpy-dbg python-nose python-renderpm-dbg python-egenix-mxtexttools python-reportlab-doc python-uniconvertor-dbg libdate-manip-perl libparse-yapp-perl libplot2c2 libpstoedit0c2a libxml-dom-perl libxml-perl libxml-regexp-perl python-dbg python-egenix-mxtools python-imaging-tk python2.6-dbg

Gimp is an incredible image editing application.
sudo apt-get install gimp gimp-data-extras gimp-gap gimp-plugin-registry libblas3gf libcv1 libcvaux1 libgfortran3 libglew1.5 libgtkglext1 libhighgui1 liblapack3gf liblqr-1-0 libtiff-tools gimp-data libgimp2.0

Shutter is a feature-rich screenshot program.
sudo apt-get install shutter

Xara Xtreme is a user friendly vector graphics drawing program.
sudo apt-get install xaralx libwxbase2.6-0 libwxgtk2.6-0 xaralx-svg xaralx-examples

Blender is open source software for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, interactive creation and playback.
sudo apt-get install blender libalut0

webKam is simple webcam application http://code.google.com/p/webkam-kde4/downloads/list

Elltube is a YouTube downloader and converter http://elltube.sourceforge.net/download

A complete Web Authoring System for Linux desktop users to rival programs like FrontPage and Dreamweaver.
sudo apt-get install kompozer kompozer-data

If you program in C\C++ languages you’ll need Build-Essential packages.
sudo apt-get install build-essential

Geany is a fast and lightweight IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for programming in various languages.
sudo apt-get install geany

Eclipse is an awesome open-source IDE for Java, C/C++ and Python.
http://johnpaulett.com/2009/06/26/in...ubuntu-jaunty/

Note: Eclipse v3.5 is available from the repositories but limits you to java development by default, I recommend the manual install referenced above. If you are unfortunate enough to develop apps in C/C++ (like me) this link should help as well... http://www.eclipse.org/cdt/downloads.php

Vim, Gvim and Cream may come in handy for file editing (gedit works good too).
sudo apt-get install vim-doc cscope vim-gnome tcl8.4 vim-gui-common vim-runtime libruby1.8 tclreadline cbrowser cream

Gedit (Text Editor in Accessories) is installed by default but the plugins are not...
sudo apt-get install gedit-plugins

Note: Enable Gedit plugins in Edit > Preferences > Plugins.
The Gedit wiki is at http://live.gnome.org/Gedit

jEdit is a java based full featured editor (make sure you have Sun JRE installed).
sudo apt-get install jedit

Meld is a visual diff and merge tool.
sudo apt-get install meld

gFTP is a generic FTP client (port 21 is typical and consider file permissions when uploading).
sudo apt-get install gftp gftp-common gftp-gtk gftp-text

Convert .rpm files to .deb http://www.howtoforge.com/converting...deb_with_alien
sudo apt-get install alien librpm0 librpmbuild0 librpmio0 rpm lsb-rpm elfutils rpm-i18n libasm1 libdw1

Htop, SysInfo and HardInfo for referencing system information and benchmarking.
sudo apt-get install htop sysinfo hardinfo

Byzanz records your desktop and saves it to animated GIF files (viewable in a web browser).
sudo apt-get install byzanz

Note: Byzanz is a panel applet and not listed in Applications, add it by right-clicking the panel and selecting Add to Panel > Desktop Recorder. Desktop effects have to be turned off to use Byzanz. More information is available by typing man byzanz-record from a terminal window.

Fish (the applet, not the shell) is a fun animated panel applet that tells fortunes.
sudo apt-get install fortune-mod fortunes-min librecode0

Note: Add the panel applet by right-clicking the panel and selecting Add to Panel > Fish.

Glipper is a clipboard manager for the GNOME panel.
sudo apt-get install glipper

Note: If Clipboard manager does not appear in the panel applet menu, in a terminal window cd /usr/lib/glipper then run ./glipper It should allow you to add it as a panel applet at this point. The keyboard shortcut is <Ctrl><Alt>c

GNOME Commander is a "two-pane" graphical filemanager for the Gnome desktop environment.
sudo apt-get install gnome-commander

Add some useful features to nautilus...
sudo apt-get install nautilus-actions nautilus-gksu nautilus-image-converter nautilus-open-terminal nautilus-script-audio-convert nautilus-script-collection-svn nautilus-script-manager nautilus-sendto nautilus-share nautilus-wallpaper imagemagick libapr1 libaprutil1 libsvn1 subversion

NTFS Configuration Tool mounts NTFS drives (2000/XP/2003/Vista).
sudo apt-get install ntfs-config
gksudo ntfs-config

Note: Found in System > Administration.

luckyBackup...a powerful, fast and reliable backup & sync tool http://luckybackup.sourceforge.net/download.html

Partimage system backup, instructions can be found at: http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/partimage
sudo apt-get install partimage

KDE Partition Manager allows you to manage your disks, partitions and file systems:
sudo apt-get install partitionmanager

Note: Documentation can be found at http://docs.kde.org/development/en/e...ger/index.html

GParted is the GNOME partition editor for creating, reorganizing and deleting disk partitions.
sudo apt-get install gparted dmraid jfsutils kpartx libdmraid1.0.0.rc15 xfsprogs reiserfsprogs reiser4progs ntfsprogs

Note: Documentation can be found at http://gparted.sourceforge.net/

Reconstructor will help you create your own Ubuntu based distribution http://www.reconstructor.org/wiki/reconstructor

Defrag (or fidefrag I should say)

sudo apt-get install bzr python-psyco bzrtools python-paramiko
bzr branch lp:fidefrag
cd fidefrag/src
sudo python fidefrag.py -d /<directory name>

Note: It's not a good idea to defrag your whole system, some directories won't react very well. I typically defrag /usr (this one takes a long time), /var, /lib, /home, /etc, /bin and /sbin

Google Earth install: http://tombuntu.com/index.php/2009/0...h-5-on-ubuntu/

Rainy days or a lot of time to kill? Frozen Bubble is a very addictive game.
sudo apt-get install frozen-bubble fb-music-high frozen-bubble-data libmikmod2 libsdl-console libsdl-gfx1.2-4 libsdl-mixer1.2 libsdl-net1.2 libsdl-pango1 libsdl-perl libsdl-ttf2.0-0 libsmpeg0

Kids in the house? Childsplay, GCompris and TuxPaint.
sudo apt-get install childsplay childsplay-alphabet-sounds-bg python-numpy python-pygame python-sqlalchemy gcompris gcompris-sound-en tuxpaint tuxpaint-config gnucap gcompris-data libgnet2.0-0 libnetpbm10 netpbm tuxpaint-data tuxpaint-plugins-default tuxpaint-stamps-default libfltk1.1

Firewalls

Internet security is important these days and firewalls can be quite complex, hopefully the following will help...use only one of these two applications and please read all of the documentation first. Most people are already behind a broadband router configured to give you "TruStealth" protection on the internet...check your current protection at the Sheilds Up! link below before being too concerned.

ufw ("uncomplicated firewall" included with Ubuntu), by default is set to "allow" all network traffic, the wiki instructions are at https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Un...d_Firewall_ufw then sudo ufw enable the firewall at system startup.

Personally I would rather use the gui interface for ufw...
sudo apt-get install gufw

Firestarter is quite easy to configure https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Firestarter
sudo apt-get install firestarter menu

Check your firewall protection at Sheilds Up! (click Proceed and use the All Service Ports option).
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

Wireshark is a full featured network protocol analyzer.
sudo apt-get install wireshark

Simple file encryption using GnuPG

From a terminal window in the directory where the file is stored:
gpg -c <filename> (encrypts, prompts twice for pass-phrase, creates <filename.gpg>)
gpg <filename.gpg> (decrypts, prompts for pass-phrase)

Notes: The source file can be deleted or moved after encryption. Sometimes when decrypting the pass-phrase prompt will pop-up behind the pinentry window. Type man gpg from a terminal window for more options. If you would like more advanced file encryption with keys and signatures visit http://www.gnupg.org/documentation/howtos.en.html for more information.

Advanced file encryption with GNU Privacy Assistant (use with caution and knowledge)
sudo apt-get install gpa

The Karmic wiki can be found here http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Karmic

The Jaunty wiki can be found here http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Jaunty

The UNR (Ubuntu Netbook Remix) wiki is here https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UNR

The Ubuntu Pocket Guide can be found at http://www.ubuntupocketguide.com/download_main.html

Ubuntu Desktop Essentials http://www.techotopia.com/index.php/...top_Essentials

ListOfOpenSourcePrograms https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Li...SourcePrograms

Best 100 Open Source Applications http://ubuntulinuxhelp.com/top-100-o...-applications/

Best 50 Ubuntu Opensource Applications For Design And Developing http://www.emmaalvarez.com/2007/12/t...pensource.html

GetDeb software site for Ubuntu and Debian http://www.getdeb.net/

Gnome Desktop software site http://www.gnomefiles.org/

Linux App Finder http://linuxappfinder.com/

KDE-Apps.org http://www.kde-apps.org/

Ubuntu PPA Search https://edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+ppas

Ubuntu Games https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Games

Cool wallpaper and more http://www.kde-look.org/

Maximus Issues (windows always maximize when an application is launched)
If you have a Netbook and auto maximize windows is driving you crazy try this from a terminal window: type gconf-editor then go to Apps > Maximus > check no_maximize

If Firefox windows open off screen or are too large to use, you may need to reset Firefox's controls and toolbars.

1. Close down Firefox completely: On the Firefox window, click the File menu then select Exit.
2. From a terminal window type: firefox -safe-mode
3. Firefox should start up with a Firefox Safe Mode dialog with options.
4. Check mark Reset toolbars and controls.
5. Click Make Changes and Restart to restart Firefox

Get your Trash Can and other desktop icons back...

The default for new installed Ubuntu is clean desktop. So, for example, if you want to get your Trash Icon back you need to change the default setting.

Step 1. Run Desktop Configuration Editor

Open Application > Accessories > Terminal and type gconf-editor.

Step 2. Change the value for trash_icon_visible

After the Desktop configuration Editor is displayed, open apps > nautilus > desktop and click the value for trash_icon_visible. This also works for your computer, home and network icons.

Setup Samba peer-to-peer with Windows http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=202605

Install Samba stuff
sudo apt-get install samba samba-common samba-tools smbclient swat samba-doc samba-doc-pdf smbfs libpam-smbpass libsmbclient libsmbclient-dev winbind samba-dbg libwbclient0 smbldap-tools ldb-tools keyutils libuser1 python-libuser system-config-samba libconvert-asn1-perl libcrypt-smbhash-perl libdigest-md4-perl libjcode-pm-perl libldb0 libnet-ldap-perl libtevent0 libunicode-map-perl libunicode-map8-perl libunicode-maputf8-perl libunicode-string-perl openbsd-inetd

Once Samba is installed you can setup a very basic shared folder as follows:

You’ll need to create Samba passwords with this command:

sudo smbpasswd -a USERNAME

Make a backup copy of the original smb.conf file, in case you make an error:

sudo cp /etc/samba/smb.conf ~

Add a share to the very end of the file:

sudo gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf

[mystuff]
path = /home/USERNAME/mystuff
available = yes
valid users = USERNAME
read only = no
browsable = yes
public = yes
writable = yes

(There should be no spaces between the lines, and note also that there should be a single space both before and after each of the equal signs.)

Save the file and restart samba with this command:

sudo service samba restart

Use this command from a terminal window to check that your smb.conf doesn’t contain any syntax errors: testparm

Don't forget to create your shared folder and modify the permissions as needed. You may also have to allow specific IP address TCP/UDP access through your firewall as well. Keep in mind if security is an issue to read up a lot more on the topic.

How to setup remote access http://www.techotopia.com/index.php/..._Linux_Desktop

Alternative shells for Linux...

C, K, T, Z & Fish shells
sudo apt-get install csh ksh tcsh zsh fish xsel zsh-doc

Bash Reference Manual http://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/bashref.html

chmod calculator http://www.javascriptkit.com/script/...chmodcal.shtml

Adding a Personal Package Archive (PPA) to your Ubuntu repositories

Adding a PPA to Ubuntu takes no more than a couple of minutes.

Step 1: Copy the lines from the apt sources.list entries section of the PPA overview page. For example:

deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/ubuntu-wine/ppa/ubuntu karmic main
deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/ubuntu-wine/ppa/ubuntu karmic main

Step 2: On your Ubuntu computer, open System > Administration > Software Sources.

Step 3: Click the Third Party Software tab.

Step 4: Click the Add button.

Step 5: Paste the individual lines copied in step 1 by clicking the Add Source button.

When prompted, reload the software sources information. Don't worry if you see a warning about unverified software sources; we're going to fix that next.

Adding the PPA's key to Ubuntu

Now Ubuntu knows about the PPA. It also needs to know how to check the software hasn't changed since Launchpad built it.

Note: This is not an endorsement of any of the software in PPAs. You must make sure you trust the PPA owner before installing their software.

Step 1: On the PPA's overview page you'll see the PPA's OpenPGP key id. It'll look something like this: 1024/12345678. Copy it, or make a note of, the portion after the slash, e.g: 12345678.

Step 2: Open your terminal and enter:

sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 12345678

Replace 12345678 with the key id you copied in step 1.

Step 3: Finally, tell Ubuntu to re-load the details of each software archive it knows about:

sudo apt-get update

You're now ready to install software from the PPA, using a tool such as apt-get in the Terminal or Synaptic.

Popular PPAs

You can update your system with "unsupported packages" from these "untrusted" PPAs by adding them to your Software Sources.

VLC (VideoLAN Client)
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/c-korn/ubuntu karmic main

sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com 7613768D

Compiz
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/compiz/ubuntu karmic main

sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com 42C24D89

Shutter
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/shutter/ppa/ubuntu karmic main

sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com 009ED615

FireFox
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/fta/ppa/ubuntu karmic main
deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/fta/ppa/ubuntu karmic main

sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com 0C713DA6

X Updates
deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/ubuntu-x-swat/x-updates/ubuntu karmic main
deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/ubuntu-x-swat/x-updates/ubuntu karmic main

sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com AF1CDFA9

Collection of useful commands...
---------------------------------------------------------------
Searching for Packages: apt-cache search some_string
Show Package Info: apt-cache showpkg xxx
Show Package Dependencies: apt-cache depends xxx
Install: apt-get install xxx
Re-Install: apt-get --reinstall install xxx
Remove: apt-get remove xxx
Remove All (configs too): apt-get remove --purge xxx
Upgrade: apt-get -u upgrade
Show Upgrades: apt-show-versions -u
Show All Installed Packages: dpkg --list
Find Package by File Name: apt-file search /bin/ping
Find filenames in a Package: apt-file list xxx
Updating the apt-file Cache: apt-file update
Info on Installed Package aptitude show xxx
System Hardware Info sudo lshw > hardware.txt

Linux Command Directory http://www.oreillynet.com/linux/cmd/

Linux Commands - A practical reference http://www.pixelbeat.org/cmdline.html

Clean up your system and free up space with sudo apt-get clean and sudo apt-get autoremove

If you're curious (like me) or have the need to know uname -a && cat /etc/*release in a terminal window will tell you the kernel version and release date, the distro id/release/codename/description.

Ok, about wine...in most cases a free to use Linux program will work just as well as apps on that other well known operating system. I don't recommend it but for the folks that like wine this wiki should help https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Wine

Wine Application Database (AppDB) http://appdb.winehq.org/

To my friends...

I'm more than willing to add your suggestions and reference your favorite applications, this is your post as much as mine. I do ask that you keep it brief and on a general level while making it so the average person can use the topic or application quite readily. I started posting "Ubuntu Desktop Computing Made Easy" a while back (Gutsy Gibbon) mainly out of the personal frustration I had getting my workstation and personal computer to perform as expected (without hours upon hours of setup, search and configuration). It's my goal to make it "easy" for anyone to setup an Ubuntu Desktop Computer with everything they need or want in a short period of time ensuring the overall experience an enjoyable one.

Note: This post can be found very quickly by doing a Google search on Ubuntu Desktop Computing Made Easy.

Regards,

-TrakerJon

Dell GX270 3.2GHz Pentium 4 w/ 2Gb SDRAM using NVIDIA GeForce 6200 AGP video and MSI Wind Netbook U100 1.6GHz Intel Atom w/ 2Gb SDRAM using Intel Mobile 945GME Express video on Ubuntu 9.10

November 2nd, 2009	#1
TrakerJon Gee! These Aren't Roasted! Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: U.S.A. My beans are hidden! Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala	Ubuntu Desktop Computing Made Easy (Karmic Koala 9.10) This is my Karmic Koala post (Jaunty Jackalope can be found at http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1181327), there will be some revisions made during the next few weeks. Many third party application developers are still doing work in regard to this latest release. Enjoy and share! This documentation is intended for folks that would like to add additional programs and applications to their Ubuntu Karmic Koala installation for a better overall experience. Please keep in mind older computers may have video performance issues due to high CPU usage and increased memory requirements. Recommended: Pentium 4 or higher processor with 1Gb SDRAM, 256Mb graphics card, 10/100 Ethernet card and 20Gb hard disk. The easiest way to perform most of these installs is to copy and paste from this post into a terminal window (found in Accessories). Start by going to System > select Administration > select Software Sources > Check all the boxes under the Ubuntu Software, Third-Party Software and Updates tabs > Close and Reload Get all the available Ubuntu updates at this point, look for the update notification icon on the task bar. Reboot after updating your system and then install as many of the following as you wish. If you're having slowness issues with the default repository go to System > select Administration > select Software Sources > Ubuntu Software tab > Download from: drop down menu > select Other > click Select Best Server and when it finishes the query click Choose Server > Close and Reload. Many of these installations require access to the Medibuntu Repository and enabling some additional software sources. Directions are on this site: https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Medibuntu or simply do the following from a terminal window: sudo wget http://www.medibuntu.org/sources.list.d/$(lsb_release -cs).list \--output-document=/etc/apt/sources.list.d/medibuntu.list && sudo apt-get -q update && sudo apt-get --yes -q --allow-unauthenticated install medibuntu-keyring && sudo apt-get -q update Media players, codecs, plug-ins and accessories are needed for playing various multimedia formats. sudo apt-get install gstreamer0.10-plugins-good gstreamer0.10-plugins-bad gstreamer0.10-plugins-ugly gstreamer0.10-ffmpeg gstreamer0.10-pitfdll gstreamer0.10-plugins-bad-multiverse gstreamer0.10-plugins-ugly-multiverse gstreamer0.10-fluendo-mp3 gstreamer0.10-gnonlin gstreamer0.10-sdl gstreamer-dbus-media-service gstreamer-tools freepats gstreamer0.10-gnomevfs liba52-0.7.4 libass3 libavcodec52 libavformat52 libavutil49 libcdaudio1 libcelt0 libdc1394-22 libdca0 libdirac0c2a libdvdnav4 libdvdread4 libenca0 libfaac0 libfaad0 libffado1 libfftw3-3 libfreebob0 libgsm1 libid3tag0 libiptcdata0 libkate1 libmad0 libmimic0 libmjpegtools-1.9 libmms0 libmodplug0c2 libmp3lame0 libmpcdec3 libmpeg2-4 libofa0 libopenspc0 libpostproc51 libquicktime1 libschroedinger-1.0-0 libsidplay1 libsoundtouch1c2 libswscale0 libtwolame0 libwildmidi0 libx264-67 libxml++2.6-2 libxvidcore4 w32codecs libdvdcss2 libxine1-ffmpeg debhelper fakeroot libfftw3-dev sidplay-base liblrdf0-dev xsidplay mplayer avifile-divx-plugin avifile-xvid-plugin dh-make g++-multilib g++-4.3-multilib gcc-4.3-doc libstdc++6-4.3-dbg cvs gettext-doc avifile-mad-plugin avifile-mjpeg-plugin avifile-player avifile-utils avifile-vorbis-plugin avifile-win32-plugin libcurl3-dbg libgcrypt11-doc libggi-target-emu libggi-target-monotext libggimisc2 gnutls-doc gnutls-bin guile-gnutls krb5-doc libraptor1-doc libstdc++6-4.3-doc mplayer-doc diff-doc easytag-aac faac faad ffmpeg ffmpeg2theora flac gxine icedax id3tool id3v2 lame liba52-0.7.4-dev libavfilter0 libflac++6 libid3-3.8.3c2a libjpeg-progs libmozjs0d libmp4v2-0 libmpg123-0 libsox-fmt-alsa libsox-fmt-base libsox1a mpeg2dec mpeg3-utils mpegdemux mpg123 mpg321 libamrnb3 libamrwb3 sox tagtool twolame vorbis-tools gecko-mediaplayer build-essential comerr-dev cpp-4.3 dpkg-dev g++ g++-4.3 g++-4.4 g++-4.4-multilib gcc-4.3 gcc-4.3-base gcc-4.3-multilib gcc-4.4-multilib gcc-multilib gettext gnome-mplayer guile-1.8 html2text intltool-debian ladspa-sdk lib64gcc1 lib64gomp1 lib64stdc++6 libao2 libaudio2 libavdevice52 libavifile-0.7c2 libc6-amd64 libc6-dev-amd64 libcurl4-gnutls-dev libdiscid0 libgcc1-dbg libgcrypt11-dev libggi-target-terminfo libggi-target-x libggi2 libgii1 libgii1-target-x libgnutls-dev libgpg-error-dev libgssrpc4 libidn11-dev libkadm5srv6 libkdb5-4 libkrb5-dev libldap2-dev liblrdf0 liblzo2-2 libmail-sendmail-perl libmpeg3-1 libmusicbrainz3-6 libopenal1 libqt3-mt libqt4-xml libqtcore4 libqtgui4 libraptor1-dev libreadline5 libstdc++6-4.3-dev libstdc++6-4.4-dev libsvga1 libsys-hostname-long-perl libtasn1-3-dev libxcb-shape0 libxcb-shm0 libxcb-xv0 libxine1 libxine1-bin libxine1-console libxine1-misc-plugins libxine1-x libxml2-dev libxslt1-dev mplayer-nogui mplayer-skins patch po-debconf zlib1g-dev libdvbpsi5 libebml0 libiso9660-5 liblua5.1-0 libmatroska0 libsdl-image1.2 jack-tools jackd libjackasyn0 qjackctl libjack0 Adobe Flash sudo apt-get install flashplugin-nonfree flashplugin-installer The latest Sun Java JRE sudo apt-get install gsfonts-x11 java-common odbcinst1debian1 sun-java6-bin sun-java6-fonts sun-java6-jre sun-java6-plugin unixodbc Kaffeine - KDE Media Player sudo apt-get install kaffeine exiv2 kde-icons-oxygen kdebase-runtime kdebase-runtime-bin-kde4 kdebase-runtime-data kdebase-runtime-data-common kdelibs-bin kdelibs5 kdelibs5-data khelpcenter4 libclucene0ldbl libexiv2-5 libknotificationitem1 liblzma0 libplasma3 libqt4-dbus libqt4-designer libqt4-network libqt4-opengl libqt4-phonon libqt4-qt3support libqt4-script libqt4-sql libqt4-sql-mysql libqt4-svg libqt4-webkit libsoprano4 libstreamanalyzer0 libstreams0 phonon-backend-xine soprano-daemon ttf-dejavu ttf-dejavu-extra VLC (VideoLAN Client) is a portable multimedia player capable of reading most audio and video formats. sudo apt-get install vlc libtar libvcdinfo0 libvlc2 libvlccore2 vlc-data vlc-nox vlc-plugin-pulse videolan-doc Amarok is a powerful music player for Linux with an intuitive interface. sudo apt-get install amarok amarok-common amarok-utils kdemultimedia-kio-plugins libkcddb4 liblastfm0 libqt4-sql-sqlite libqtscript4-core libqtscript4-gui libqtscript4-network libqtscript4-sql libqtscript4-uitools libqtscript4-xml libtag-extras1 Audacious is the very innovative Audio Replacement for XMMS sudo apt-get install audacious audacious-plugins audacious-plugins-extra libaudclient2 libaudcore1 libaudid3tag2 libaudutil1 libbinio1ldbl libcddb2 libfluidsynth1 libftgl2 liblash2 libmcs1 libmowgli1 libprojectm-data libprojectm2 libresid-builder0c2a libsad2 libsidplay2 libglew1.5 Ardour, SoundKonverter, Jokosher and AcidRip for multimedia recording, editing, conversions, mixing, etc. sudo apt-get install ardour soundkonverter jokosher lmms acidrip caps kdelibs-data kdelibs4c2a libaubio2 libavahi-qt3-1 libgnomecanvasmm-2.6-1c2a liblo0ldbl liblua50 liblualib50 libstk0c2a libvamp-hostsdk2 libvamp-sdk1 lmms-common lmms-vst lsdvd mp3gain mppenc python-twisted python-twisted-conch python-twisted-lore python-twisted-mail python-twisted-news python-twisted-runner python-twisted-words speex stk tap-plugins timidity timidity-daemon ttf-symbol-replacement ttf-tahoma-replacement vorbisgain wavpack winbind wine1.2 wine1.2-gecko K9Copy, K3b and DeVeDe when you need DVD, CD, VCD and VCD software (requires libdvdcss2) sudo apt-get install k9copy k3b devede akonadi-server dvdauthor k3b-data kdebase-workspace-bin kdebase-workspace-data kdebase-workspace-kgreet-plugins kdebase-workspace-libs4+5 kdepim-runtime kdepim-runtime-data kdepim-runtime-libs4 libavcodec-extra-52 libavformat-extra-52 libavutil-extra-49 libboost-regex1.38.0 libk3b6 libopenjpeg2 libpolkit-dbus2 libpolkit-grant2 libpolkit-qt0 libpolkit2 libpostproc-extra-51 libqt4-help libqt4-scripttools libqt4-test libqt4-xmlpatterns libstrigiqtdbusclient0 libswscale-extra-0 mjpegtools mkvtoolnix mysql-server-core-5.1 plasma-dataengines-workspace plasma-widgets-workspace policykit python-kde4 python-qt4 python-sip4 vamps vcdimager Transmageddon supports almost any format as its input and can generate a very large host of output files. http://www.getdeb.net/software/Transmageddon Note: Follow the instructions for "How to Install Apps from GetDeb" first before attempting to install Transmageddon. http://www.getdeb.net/updates/Ubuntu/all#how_to_install Streamripper will allow you to download internet radio station broadcasts. sudo apt-get install streamripper Streamtastic is the java based gui for Streamripper. Download the stable version from https://code.launchpad.net/streamtastic/+download Notes: Install Streamripper and then create a folder in your home directory called Streamtastic. Create a sub folder of Streamtastic called downloads. Download Streamtastic and extract the files into the Streamtastic folder. Launch the Streamtastic.sh file from a command prompt (user@ubuntu-desktop:~/Streamtastic$ ./Streamtastic.sh) and when prompted point the download destination to your downloads folder. Select the station you would like to listen to and right-click on the reference to play and/or record. You can play and record at the same time, you'll be prompted to select a player (if you've installed amarok or vlc they're in /usr/bin). If you need to edit the configuration file to change the path to your player or download preferences, it can be found in a hidden .streamtastic folder in your home directory. If you have folder permissions issues do the following: sudo chown -R username:username ~/Streamtastic (put in your "username") sudo chmod -R 700 ~/Streamtastic Shoutcast is a good place to shop for internet radio stations. http://www.shoutcast.com/ ATI/nVidia Drivers and Advanced Desktop Effects This requires some effort on the part of the user to know exactly what graphics card they have installed, use with caution and please read all applicable instructions. Ubuntu 9.10 Karmic Koala comes with a Nouveau display graphic driver by default. The following should help install the drivers you need. 1. Click Applications > Ubuntu Software Center 2. From the left menu choose Get Free Software 3. In the search field on the right find and install Advanced Desktop Effects Settings (Compiz Setup) and ATI or nVidia binary X.org Drivers (based on what graphics card you have inside the computer). Selecting the driver and clicking the arrow to the right will get the list of supported graphics cards. 4. After the installations go to System > Administration > Hardware Drivers. 5. The system will search for available drivers, choose the recommended option from the list and activate the driver by clicking Activate. 6. Restart your system and the new ATI/nVidia graphic display driver will be in use. Unsupported updated versions of X.org drivers, libraries, etc. for Ubuntu https://edge.launchpad.net/~ubuntu-x...hive/x-updates Note: Import the key and add the repositories for your specific distribution in System > Administration > Software Sources then run sudo apt-get update from a terminal window. Compiz, Emerald and Screenlets The default Ubuntu display setup lets you choose from None, Normal or Extra. Make it more configurable with the CompizConfig Settings Manager...found in System > Preferences after installing the following: sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager gnome-art usplash startupmanager compiz-fusion-plugins-main compiz-fusion-plugins-extra emerald screenlets librsvg2-common fusion-icon gnome-splashscreen-manager libart2-ruby1.8 libatk1-ruby1.8 libcairo-ruby1.8 libemeraldengine0 libgconf2-ruby libgconf2-ruby1.8 libgdk-pixbuf2-ruby1.8 libglade2-ruby libglade2-ruby1.8 libglib2-ruby1.8 libgnome2-ruby libgnome2-ruby1.8 libgnomecanvas2-ruby1.8 libgtk2-ruby1.8 libpango1-ruby1.8 libruby1.8 libtidy-0.99-0 python-chardet python-compizconfig python-evolution python-feedparser python-gtkmozembed python-utidylib python-wnck ruby ruby1.8 menu Notes: Make sure you enable Visual Effects "Extra" (right click on your desktop, choose change Desktop Background and click on the Visual Effects tab) before adusting Compiz settings. Reset Compiz defaults by going into CCSM > Preferences > Profile & Backend > Click Reset to defaults. Various compression/extraction and encoding/decoding utilities... sudo apt-get install unace rar unrar zip unzip p7zip-full p7zip-rar sharutils aish uudeview mpack lha arj cabextract file-roller libuu0 AceoneISO2 is a CD/DVD image manipulator for Linux (used primarily with .iso files). http://www.getdeb.net/software/AcetoneISO Note: Follow the instructions for "How to Install Apps from GetDeb" first before attempting to install AceoneISO2. http://www.getdeb.net/updates/Ubuntu/all#how_to_install avast! makes a very good anti-virus product for Linux it can be downloaded free for home use from http://avast.com/eng/download-avast-...x-edition.html You'll need the home user free registration key (emailed to you from their site). The key can be pasted into a terminal window after you type avast at a terminal command prompt. The gui icon is located in Applications > Accessories. Update the program frequently and scan all questionable downloads. P2P (peer to peer) clients Gnutella is a lot like Limewire or Morpheus (see Firewalls and avast! sections below before using). sudo apt-get install gtk-gnutella Vuze can be handy for things not found with Gnutella (see Firewalls and avast! sections below before using). sudo apt-get install vuze azureus java-wrappers libcommons-cli-java libcommons-lang-java liblog4j1.2-java libswt-cairo-gtk-3.4-jni libswt-gnome-gtk-3.4-jni libswt-gtk-3.4-java libswt-gtk-3.4-jni libswt-mozilla-gtk-3.4-jni Frostwire is similar to Gnutella (see Firewalls and avast! sections below before using). http://www.getdeb.net/software/Frostwire Note: Follow the instructions for "How to Install Apps from GetDeb" first before attempting to install FrostWire. http://www.getdeb.net/updates/Ubuntu/all#how_to_install Email, VoIP and Text Chat Thunderbird, Sunbird and SpamAssassin for email and integrated calendar. sudo apt-get install thunderbird sunbird lightning-extension spamassassin calendar-google-provider calendar-timezones libdigest-hmac-perl libdigest-sha1-perl liberror-perl libio-socket-inet6-perl libmail-spf-perl libnet-dns-perl libnet-ip-perl libnetaddr-ip-perl libsocket6-perl re2c spamc Setup your Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail accounts in Thunderbird (use POP port 1024) http://webmail.mozdev.org/index.html Skype lets you talk and chat with friends all over the world. sudo apt-get install skype skype-common Note: You might have to configure your Options > Sound Devices > Sound In/Sound Out within Skype and test with the Echo/Sound test Service. I also had to enable and adjust my Ubuntu Volume Controls > Preferences > Mic and Mic Boost settings. Kopete is an instant messenger client supporting AIM, ICQ, Live Messenger, Yahoo, Jabber, and more. sudo apt-get install kopete XChat is an IRC chat program that allows for multiple IRC channels (chat rooms) at the same time. sudo apt-get install xchat Pidgin is an easy to use and free chat client to connect to AIM, MSN, Yahoo, and more chat networks all at once. sudo apt-get install pidgin pidgin-data pidgin-libnotify Popular fonts for OpenOffice and other word processing applications. sudo apt-get install ttf-mscorefonts-installer mplayer-fonts ttf-xfree86-nonfree xfs cabextract ttf-liberation ttf-mscorefonts-installer Fonts, fonts and more fonts (pick and choose). sudo apt-get install ttf-larabie-straight ttf-larabie-deco xfonts-terminus-dos xfonts-terminus xfonts-terminus-oblique xfonts-mona tv-fonts ttf-tuffy ttf-sjfonts ttf-georgewilliams ttf-fifthhorseman-dkg-handwriting ttf-essays1743 ttf-opensymbol ttf-mgopen ttf-freefont ttf-dustin ttf-dejavu-extra ttf-dejavu-core ttf-dejavu ttf-bpg-georgian-fonts equivs ttf-sil-gentium gnome-specimen bsd-mailx dctrl-tools devscripts diffstat dput libapt-pkg-perl libauthen-sasl-perl libdevel-symdump-perl libio-pty-perl libio-stringy-perl libipc-run-perl libparse-debcontrol-perl libpod-coverage-perl libterm-size-perl libtest-pod-perl lintian patchutils postfix wdiff Note: Postfix is is associated with some of these fonts, be careful not to modify Postfix configurations if required for email purposes, otherwise select "no configuration" when prompted. I typically don’t use Arabic and Asian fonts, to remove them from a terminal window type: sudo apt-get remove ttf-kochi-mincho ttf-kochi-gothic ttf-arabeyes ttf-arphic-ukai ttf-arphic-uming ttf-baekmuk ttf-bengali-fonts ttf-devanagari-fonts ttf-gentium ttf-gujarati-fonts ttf-indic-fonts ttf-kannada-fonts ttf-kochi-gothic ttf-lao ttf-malayalam-fonts ttf-mgopen ttf-oriya-fonts ttf-punjabi-fonts ttf-tamil-fonts ttf-telugu-fonts ttf-thai-tlwg ttf-unfonts-core ttf-indic-fonts-core ttf-wqy-zenhei Note: Add them by simply using install instead of remove. HP printer driver issues? http://hplipopensource.com/hplip-web/downloads.html Adobe still makes one of the best .pdf viewers. sudo apt-get install acroread acroread-fonts PDFedit is editor for manipulating PDF documents. sudo apt-get install pdfedit AbiWord is a fast and easy to use word processing program. sudo apt-get install abiword abiword-common abiword-help abiword-plugin-grammar abiword-plugin-mathview libaiksaurus-1.2-0c2a libaiksaurus-1.2-data libaiksaurusgtk-1.2-0c2a libgdome2-0 libgdome2-cpp-smart0c2a libgtkmathview0c2a liblink-grammar4 libots0 libt1-5 libwv-1.2-3 link-grammar-dictionaries-en gLabels is a program for creating labels and business cards for the GNOME desktop environment. sudo apt-get install glabels glabels-data iSpell comes in handy when spell checking documents from a terminal window sudo apt-get install ispell iamerican spell Wordnet is a comprehensive word database maintained by Princeton University sudo apt-get install wordnet tcl8.5 tk8.5 wordnet-base wordnet-gui The web interface for Wordnet is http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn FBReader is an e-book reader for various platforms. sudo apt-get install fbreader liblinebreak1 libzlcore-data libzlcore0.10 libzltext-data libzltext0.10 libzlui-gtk ttf-unifont Dia is similar to Microsoft® Visio. sudo apt-get install dia dia-common dia-libs GanttProject is a tool for creating a project schedule with Gantt and resource load charts. http://ganttproject.biz/download.php Planner for Gant charts and project plans. sudo apt-get install planner Scribus is a desktop publishing application. sudo apt-get install scribus blt-demo tix python-tk-dbg scribus-template scribus-doc blt python-tk Inkscape and Skencil for illustrations. sudo apt-get install inkscape libmagick++2 libwmf-bin python-lxml python-numpy python-renderpm python-reportlab python-reportlab-accel python-uniconvertor libsvg-perl libxml-xql-perl skencil pstoedit python-lxml-dbg python-numpy-doc python-numpy-dbg python-nose python-renderpm-dbg python-egenix-mxtexttools python-reportlab-doc python-uniconvertor-dbg libdate-manip-perl libparse-yapp-perl libplot2c2 libpstoedit0c2a libxml-dom-perl libxml-perl libxml-regexp-perl python-dbg python-egenix-mxtools python-imaging-tk python2.6-dbg Gimp is an incredible image editing application. sudo apt-get install gimp gimp-data-extras gimp-gap gimp-plugin-registry libblas3gf libcv1 libcvaux1 libgfortran3 libglew1.5 libgtkglext1 libhighgui1 liblapack3gf liblqr-1-0 libtiff-tools gimp-data libgimp2.0 Shutter is a feature-rich screenshot program. sudo apt-get install shutter Xara Xtreme is a user friendly vector graphics drawing program. sudo apt-get install xaralx libwxbase2.6-0 libwxgtk2.6-0 xaralx-svg xaralx-examples Blender is open source software for 3D modeling, animation, rendering, interactive creation and playback. sudo apt-get install blender libalut0 webKam is simple webcam application http://code.google.com/p/webkam-kde4/downloads/list Elltube is a YouTube downloader and converter http://elltube.sourceforge.net/download A complete Web Authoring System for Linux desktop users to rival programs like FrontPage and Dreamweaver. sudo apt-get install kompozer kompozer-data If you program in C\C++ languages you’ll need Build-Essential packages. sudo apt-get install build-essential Geany is a fast and lightweight IDE (Integrated Development Environment) for programming in various languages. sudo apt-get install geany Eclipse is an awesome open-source IDE for Java, C/C++ and Python. http://johnpaulett.com/2009/06/26/in...ubuntu-jaunty/ Note: Eclipse v3.5 is available from the repositories but limits you to java development by default, I recommend the manual install referenced above. If you are unfortunate enough to develop apps in C/C++ (like me) this link should help as well... http://www.eclipse.org/cdt/downloads.php Vim, Gvim and Cream may come in handy for file editing (gedit works good too). sudo apt-get install vim-doc cscope vim-gnome tcl8.4 vim-gui-common vim-runtime libruby1.8 tclreadline cbrowser cream Gedit (Text Editor in Accessories) is installed by default but the plugins are not... sudo apt-get install gedit-plugins Note: Enable Gedit plugins in Edit > Preferences > Plugins. The Gedit wiki is at http://live.gnome.org/Gedit jEdit is a java based full featured editor (make sure you have Sun JRE installed). sudo apt-get install jedit Meld is a visual diff and merge tool. sudo apt-get install meld gFTP is a generic FTP client (port 21 is typical and consider file permissions when uploading). sudo apt-get install gftp gftp-common gftp-gtk gftp-text Convert .rpm files to .deb http://www.howtoforge.com/converting...deb_with_alien sudo apt-get install alien librpm0 librpmbuild0 librpmio0 rpm lsb-rpm elfutils rpm-i18n libasm1 libdw1 Htop, SysInfo and HardInfo for referencing system information and benchmarking. sudo apt-get install htop sysinfo hardinfo Byzanz records your desktop and saves it to animated GIF files (viewable in a web browser). sudo apt-get install byzanz Note: Byzanz is a panel applet and not listed in Applications, add it by right-clicking the panel and selecting Add to Panel > Desktop Recorder. Desktop effects have to be turned off to use Byzanz. More information is available by typing man byzanz-record from a terminal window. Fish (the applet, not the shell) is a fun animated panel applet that tells fortunes. sudo apt-get install fortune-mod fortunes-min librecode0 Note: Add the panel applet by right-clicking the panel and selecting Add to Panel > Fish. Glipper is a clipboard manager for the GNOME panel. sudo apt-get install glipper Note: If Clipboard manager does not appear in the panel applet menu, in a terminal window cd /usr/lib/glipper then run ./glipper It should allow you to add it as a panel applet at this point. The keyboard shortcut is <Ctrl><Alt>c GNOME Commander is a "two-pane" graphical filemanager for the Gnome desktop environment. sudo apt-get install gnome-commander Add some useful features to nautilus... sudo apt-get install nautilus-actions nautilus-gksu nautilus-image-converter nautilus-open-terminal nautilus-script-audio-convert nautilus-script-collection-svn nautilus-script-manager nautilus-sendto nautilus-share nautilus-wallpaper imagemagick libapr1 libaprutil1 libsvn1 subversion NTFS Configuration Tool mounts NTFS drives (2000/XP/2003/Vista). sudo apt-get install ntfs-config gksudo ntfs-config Note: Found in System > Administration. luckyBackup...a powerful, fast and reliable backup & sync tool http://luckybackup.sourceforge.net/download.html Partimage system backup, instructions can be found at: http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu/partimage sudo apt-get install partimage KDE Partition Manager allows you to manage your disks, partitions and file systems: sudo apt-get install partitionmanager Note: Documentation can be found at http://docs.kde.org/development/en/e...ger/index.html GParted is the GNOME partition editor for creating, reorganizing and deleting disk partitions. sudo apt-get install gparted dmraid jfsutils kpartx libdmraid1.0.0.rc15 xfsprogs reiserfsprogs reiser4progs ntfsprogs Note: Documentation can be found at http://gparted.sourceforge.net/ Reconstructor will help you create your own Ubuntu based distribution http://www.reconstructor.org/wiki/reconstructor Defrag (or fidefrag I should say) sudo apt-get install bzr python-psyco bzrtools python-paramiko bzr branch lp:fidefrag cd fidefrag/src sudo python fidefrag.py -d /<directory name> Note: It's not a good idea to defrag your whole system, some directories won't react very well. I typically defrag /usr (this one takes a long time), /var, /lib, /home, /etc, /bin and /sbin Google Earth install: http://tombuntu.com/index.php/2009/0...h-5-on-ubuntu/ Rainy days or a lot of time to kill? Frozen Bubble is a very addictive game. sudo apt-get install frozen-bubble fb-music-high frozen-bubble-data libmikmod2 libsdl-console libsdl-gfx1.2-4 libsdl-mixer1.2 libsdl-net1.2 libsdl-pango1 libsdl-perl libsdl-ttf2.0-0 libsmpeg0 Kids in the house? Childsplay, GCompris and TuxPaint. sudo apt-get install childsplay childsplay-alphabet-sounds-bg python-numpy python-pygame python-sqlalchemy gcompris gcompris-sound-en tuxpaint tuxpaint-config gnucap gcompris-data libgnet2.0-0 libnetpbm10 netpbm tuxpaint-data tuxpaint-plugins-default tuxpaint-stamps-default libfltk1.1 Firewalls Internet security is important these days and firewalls can be quite complex, hopefully the following will help...use only one of these two applications and please read all of the documentation first. Most people are already behind a broadband router configured to give you "TruStealth" protection on the internet...check your current protection at the Sheilds Up! link below before being too concerned. ufw ("uncomplicated firewall" included with Ubuntu), by default is set to "allow" all network traffic, the wiki instructions are at https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Un...d_Firewall_ufw then sudo ufw enable the firewall at system startup. Personally I would rather use the gui interface for ufw... sudo apt-get install gufw Firestarter is quite easy to configure https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Firestarter sudo apt-get install firestarter menu Check your firewall protection at Sheilds Up! (click Proceed and use the All Service Ports option). https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2 Wireshark is a full featured network protocol analyzer. sudo apt-get install wireshark Simple file encryption using GnuPG From a terminal window in the directory where the file is stored: gpg -c <filename> (encrypts, prompts twice for pass-phrase, creates <filename.gpg>) gpg <filename.gpg> (decrypts, prompts for pass-phrase) Notes: The source file can be deleted or moved after encryption. Sometimes when decrypting the pass-phrase prompt will pop-up behind the pinentry window. Type man gpg from a terminal window for more options. If you would like more advanced file encryption with keys and signatures visit http://www.gnupg.org/documentation/howtos.en.html for more information. Advanced file encryption with GNU Privacy Assistant (use with caution and knowledge) sudo apt-get install gpa The Karmic wiki can be found here http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Karmic The Jaunty wiki can be found here http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Jaunty The UNR (Ubuntu Netbook Remix) wiki is here https://wiki.ubuntu.com/UNR The Ubuntu Pocket Guide can be found at http://www.ubuntupocketguide.com/download_main.html Ubuntu Desktop Essentials http://www.techotopia.com/index.php/...top_Essentials ListOfOpenSourcePrograms https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Li...SourcePrograms Best 100 Open Source Applications http://ubuntulinuxhelp.com/top-100-o...-applications/ Best 50 Ubuntu Opensource Applications For Design And Developing http://www.emmaalvarez.com/2007/12/t...pensource.html GetDeb software site for Ubuntu and Debian http://www.getdeb.net/ Gnome Desktop software site http://www.gnomefiles.org/ Linux App Finder http://linuxappfinder.com/ KDE-Apps.org http://www.kde-apps.org/ Ubuntu PPA Search https://edge.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+ppas Ubuntu Games https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Games Cool wallpaper and more http://www.kde-look.org/ Maximus Issues (windows always maximize when an application is launched) If you have a Netbook and auto maximize windows is driving you crazy try this from a terminal window: type gconf-editor then go to Apps > Maximus > check no_maximize If Firefox windows open off screen or are too large to use, you may need to reset Firefox's controls and toolbars. 1. Close down Firefox completely: On the Firefox window, click the File menu then select Exit. 2. From a terminal window type: firefox -safe-mode 3. Firefox should start up with a Firefox Safe Mode dialog with options. 4. Check mark Reset toolbars and controls. 5. Click Make Changes and Restart to restart Firefox Get your Trash Can and other desktop icons back... The default for new installed Ubuntu is clean desktop. So, for example, if you want to get your Trash Icon back you need to change the default setting. Step 1. Run Desktop Configuration Editor Open Application > Accessories > Terminal and type gconf-editor. Step 2. Change the value for trash_icon_visible After the Desktop configuration Editor is displayed, open apps > nautilus > desktop and click the value for trash_icon_visible. This also works for your computer, home and network icons. Setup Samba peer-to-peer with Windows http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=202605 Install Samba stuff sudo apt-get install samba samba-common samba-tools smbclient swat samba-doc samba-doc-pdf smbfs libpam-smbpass libsmbclient libsmbclient-dev winbind samba-dbg libwbclient0 smbldap-tools ldb-tools keyutils libuser1 python-libuser system-config-samba libconvert-asn1-perl libcrypt-smbhash-perl libdigest-md4-perl libjcode-pm-perl libldb0 libnet-ldap-perl libtevent0 libunicode-map-perl libunicode-map8-perl libunicode-maputf8-perl libunicode-string-perl openbsd-inetd Once Samba is installed you can setup a very basic shared folder as follows: You’ll need to create Samba passwords with this command: sudo smbpasswd -a USERNAME Make a backup copy of the original smb.conf file, in case you make an error: sudo cp /etc/samba/smb.conf ~ Add a share to the very end of the file: sudo gedit /etc/samba/smb.conf [mystuff] path = /home/USERNAME/mystuff available = yes valid users = USERNAME read only = no browsable = yes public = yes writable = yes (There should be no spaces between the lines, and note also that there should be a single space both before and after each of the equal signs.) Save the file and restart samba with this command: sudo service samba restart Use this command from a terminal window to check that your smb.conf doesn’t contain any syntax errors: testparm Don't forget to create your shared folder and modify the permissions as needed. You may also have to allow specific IP address TCP/UDP access through your firewall as well. Keep in mind if security is an issue to read up a lot more on the topic. How to setup remote access http://www.techotopia.com/index.php/..._Linux_Desktop Alternative shells for Linux... C, K, T, Z & Fish shells sudo apt-get install csh ksh tcsh zsh fish xsel zsh-doc Bash Reference Manual http://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/bashref.html chmod calculator http://www.javascriptkit.com/script/...chmodcal.shtml Adding a Personal Package Archive (PPA) to your Ubuntu repositories Adding a PPA to Ubuntu takes no more than a couple of minutes. Step 1: Copy the lines from the apt sources.list entries section of the PPA overview page. For example: deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/ubuntu-wine/ppa/ubuntu karmic main deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/ubuntu-wine/ppa/ubuntu karmic main Step 2: On your Ubuntu computer, open System > Administration > Software Sources. Step 3: Click the Third Party Software tab. Step 4: Click the Add button. Step 5: Paste the individual lines copied in step 1 by clicking the Add Source button. When prompted, reload the software sources information. Don't worry if you see a warning about unverified software sources; we're going to fix that next. Adding the PPA's key to Ubuntu Now Ubuntu knows about the PPA. It also needs to know how to check the software hasn't changed since Launchpad built it. Note: This is not an endorsement of any of the software in PPAs. You must make sure you trust the PPA owner before installing their software. Step 1: On the PPA's overview page you'll see the PPA's OpenPGP key id. It'll look something like this: 1024/12345678. Copy it, or make a note of, the portion after the slash, e.g: 12345678. Step 2: Open your terminal and enter: sudo apt-key adv --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com --recv-keys 12345678 Replace 12345678 with the key id you copied in step 1. Step 3: Finally, tell Ubuntu to re-load the details of each software archive it knows about: sudo apt-get update You're now ready to install software from the PPA, using a tool such as apt-get in the Terminal or Synaptic. Popular PPAs You can update your system with "unsupported packages" from these "untrusted" PPAs by adding them to your Software Sources. VLC (VideoLAN Client) deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/c-korn/ubuntu karmic main sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com 7613768D Compiz deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/compiz/ubuntu karmic main sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com 42C24D89 Shutter deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/shutter/ppa/ubuntu karmic main sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com 009ED615 FireFox deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/fta/ppa/ubuntu karmic main deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/fta/ppa/ubuntu karmic main sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com 0C713DA6 X Updates deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/ubuntu-x-swat/x-updates/ubuntu karmic main deb-src http://ppa.launchpad.net/ubuntu-x-swat/x-updates/ubuntu karmic main sudo apt-key adv --recv-keys --keyserver keyserver.ubuntu.com AF1CDFA9 Collection of useful commands... --------------------------------------------------------------- Searching for Packages: apt-cache search some_string Show Package Info: apt-cache showpkg xxx Show Package Dependencies: apt-cache depends xxx Install: apt-get install xxx Re-Install: apt-get --reinstall install xxx Remove: apt-get remove xxx Remove All (configs too): apt-get remove --purge xxx Upgrade: apt-get -u upgrade Show Upgrades: apt-show-versions -u Show All Installed Packages: dpkg --list Find Package by File Name: apt-file search /bin/ping Find filenames in a Package: apt-file list xxx Updating the apt-file Cache: apt-file update Info on Installed Package aptitude show xxx System Hardware Info sudo lshw > hardware.txt Linux Command Directory http://www.oreillynet.com/linux/cmd/ Linux Commands - A practical reference http://www.pixelbeat.org/cmdline.html Clean up your system and free up space with sudo apt-get clean and sudo apt-get autoremove If you're curious (like me) or have the need to know *uname -a && cat /etc/release in a terminal window will tell you the kernel version and release date, the distro id/release/codename/description. Ok, about wine...in most cases a free to use Linux program will work just as well as apps on that other well known operating system. I don't recommend it but for the folks that like wine this wiki should help https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Wine Wine Application Database (AppDB) http://appdb.winehq.org/ To my friends... I'm more than willing to add your suggestions and reference your favorite applications, this is your post as much as mine. I do ask that you keep it brief and on a general level while making it so the average person can use the topic or application quite readily. I started posting "Ubuntu Desktop Computing Made Easy" a while back (Gutsy Gibbon) mainly out of the personal frustration I had getting my workstation and personal computer to perform as expected (without hours upon hours of setup, search and configuration). It's my goal to make it "easy" for anyone to setup an Ubuntu Desktop Computer with everything they need or want in a short period of time ensuring the overall experience an enjoyable one. Note: This post can be found very quickly by doing a Google search on Ubuntu Desktop Computing Made Easy. Regards, -TrakerJon Dell GX270 3.2GHz Pentium 4 w/ 2Gb SDRAM using NVIDIA GeForce 6200 AGP video and MSI Wind Netbook U100 1.6GHz Intel Atom w/ 2Gb SDRAM using Intel Mobile 945GME Express video on Ubuntu 9.10 __________________ The trouble with having an open mind is that people keep coming along and sticking things in it - Opus** Last edited by TrakerJon; January 5th, 2010 at 08:11 PM.. Reason: Ongoing updates and additions.